Technician Review

Going to Glasgow Clyde College Anniesland campus. Monday-friday 9-4:15 doing a HNC in Engineering Systems and also a SVQ Level two in the first academic year. I will then be going on to day release and in the work place 4 days a week to complete SVQ 3 and HND in chosen discipline.

During my time in the college I have already completed half of the work load that has been provided. During this period I have learned different skills across more than one trade these skills are in Welding, Pipe Fitting and Electrical wiring. These skills will be improved more at the end of the year as we will be using all three to do a group project.

Up to this point I have been in college which is enjoyable at some points however as I have some of the classes already most my time is in the library which is good because it gives me more time to get reports written up. The practical days are more enjoyable than the classroom days as I personally enjoy practical work and am looking forward to the group project.

The program itself is organised very well and I am happy with all the support I receive from the programme provider as any problems I have had or fear in the future have been spoken about and resolved. The organisation also helps us outside of the work and College which is very helpful as well.

Our employer gives us a loaf of support from work and personal issues as stated previously. When any problems arise our employer and college lecturers give us the time we need to go over any issues that come up. The support outside of work is higher than I have experienced in any other job.

As stated before our provider helps allot and supports us through our college courses. If anything comes up that we are falling behind or struggling instead of implying we will be terminated if we don't pull our weight our lecturers and employers sit together and tackle it the best way possible for me or anyone else.

As I am still working through my qualifications to gain my apprenticeship I am unsure how the qualifications will help at the moment but I can say previous qualifications are helping me alot in my current course as alot of the work is similar to what I have completed previously which allows me to work on and have time to do others work.

At the beginning of the apprenticeship our employer ranged an outward bound trip for me and my fellow colleagues. This allowed us to do many challenges that required good team work because it put us in difficult situations which required a good form of communication. This trip has brought me and my colleagues closer together as friends.

Yes

It opens up many opportunities for you as the company allows you to select a discipline of your choice and if you want to do a different trade this opportunity is available to you. This apprenticeship also allows you to you earn and receive qualifications at the same time so you can achieve your qualifications without having to have a second job.

Get to know your fellow apprentices as it's an easy way to make new friends I was a quiet person at the beginning and this has allowed me to open up more. If you're in college or school do physics as it helps a lot however not mandatory. Lastly seek help if needed do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself as the employer is more understanding than you think.